Chapter 83

The protagonist confronts Rekk Zharos, a bounty hunter riding a severely sun-damaged Moonplume dragon, who has arrived seeking the missing Princess Kyzari. After witnessing Rekk's cruel treatment of his injured beast, the protagonist orders him restrained and places him under heavy guard while refusing to allow him to search the kingdom freely.

The protagonist is escorted through the Stronghold's corridors by six armed guards toward Hutch 27, where a Moonplume dragon has landed. Upon arrival at the landing patch, he finds Rekk Zharos—a bounty hunter known in southern kingdoms—still mounted on his Moonplume, which is severely distressed and sun-damaged, with blistered skin and tattered wings. The creature huddles in shadow while keepers attempt to force her toward the hutch. When Rekk cruelly spurs his horse and orders the ground broken beneath the beast, the protagonist intervenes, threatening to fill any cracks with Rekk's remains. Rygun, the protagonist's Sabersythe dragon, arrives and hovers menacingly, his violent urges toward Rekk flowing through their bond. The protagonist orders Rekk to dismount and remove his spurs. Rekk does so but attempts to threaten the injured Moonplume with his whip; the protagonist forbids this, citing the kingdom's stance against animal cruelty. Rekk reveals the dragon's name is Líri and demands the Fleshthread tend her wounds and provide care. The protagonist offers refreshments and shade instead, lying that the Fleshthread is away (though he plans to send for Agni). Rekk dismisses the offer, calling the dragon worthless and suggesting she be butchered. The protagonist recognizes Rekk as serving Tyroth's faction when Rekk references preventing war between The Shade and The Burn. After dismissing Rygun, the protagonist questions Rekk's audacity in bringing an undead-protected Moonplume without a blue bead to manage her. Rekk explains his impatience—most of Gore's flock were turned out for The Great Flurrt, and Líri was too small for two riders. The protagonist notices Rekk's gloved hand and confirms that Raeve (an Ath member) bit off the tip of his finger; Rekk laments being unable to find a Runi to restore it. Rekk reveals his true purpose: he is hunting the Princess Kyzari, sent by her father Kyzari's pah. The protagonist warns him that if Kyzari were his daughter, he would keep her far from Rekk. The protagonist denies Kyzari's presence in the kingdom and declares Rekk must wear iron cuffs and travel with beaded escorts, with the protagonist accompanying him personally. He also orders Rekk's saddlebags searched and inventoried. Colet restrains Rekk with cuffs, and the protagonist remarks that such treatment is reserved only for those he loathes.